A handful of philanthropists have shaped so much about Boise (and Idaho’s) landscape, including the late Joe and Kathryn Albertson, whose legacy continues to shape the Gem State through their namesake foundation. The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation is a lead partner in supporting Philanthropy Northwest’s upcoming annual conference, and its Executive Director, Roger Quarles, expressed excitement about the upcoming conversation with regional funders.

“Philanthropy Northwest is a strong, healthy organization that does meaningful work,” Quarles said. “We’ve benefited from the consulting expertise of the Giving Practice in the past, and we are thrilled to be a part of bringing the region’s thought leaders to Boise.”

Quarles is a former Idaho teacher, principal, superintendent, and chief deputy state superintendent – strong qualifications for leading a foundation whose mission is to make Idaho a place to learn, thrive, and prosper. One of the foundation’s key grantees is One Stone, a tuition-free, student-led nonprofit high school that reimagines education through experiential service, innovative initiatives, and social entrepreneurship. The school will be part of a learning tour during the conference.

J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation program officer Bryan Madden will also offer a breakout session on Mission 43, a groundbreaking veterans initiative that offers transitional support to vets and their spouses.

“The session will be enlightening to funders on a number of fronts because so many tend to focus on immediate needs, like PTSD and mental health issues,” Quarles said. “That’s a small sliver of the post-9-11 veteran population here in Idaho, so we’re dedicated to working with the 90 percent who really need support around education and employment.”

Quarles said he’s been particularly interested in Philanthropy Northwest’s focus on the importance of the Census, which hadn’t been on his radar before.

“I like that they are focusing on demographics, populations, and trends because that’s really what drives funding for education, economic development, and healthcare,” he said. “The topic has become very interesting to me personally.”